Above Ground vs. Underground Propane

There are a lot of things to consider when looking at putting an above ground or underground propane tank at your home. Each one has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that most people do not consider prior to making a decision. Here is what we know:

Above Ground:
Pros:

• Extremely Cost Effective: In most situations, we are willing to lease you a tank at no cost as long as you are actively using and filling it within a year timeframe. Even if you opt to purchase your tank, the above ground is thousands of dollars cheaper compared to its underground counterpart.
• Ease of Maintenance: Maintaining an above ground tank is easy. Just like a car body, if you wash it and ensure any scratches are painted in a timely manner, tanks last almost indefinitely. Even with minimal maintenance, above ground tanks can remain in serviceable condition for decades due to the body of the tank never having contact with the ground.
• Moveable: Although it will cost you to drain and move a tank to a different location, placements are only semi-permanent, and the tank can be put back into service in a different location if your outdoor space requires changes.

Cons:

• Visibility: Many do not like to see above ground tanks in their yards and consider them an eyesore. There are ways to conceal a tank in your yard through creative landscaping, but that will require additional maintenance, as well.
• Exposure: Extreme weather, falling trees, and ground movement pose threats to your tank in extreme situations. It is highly unlikely that any of these issues will pose a safety risk, but they may require the replacement of your tank.

Underground:
Pros:

• Visibility: Underground tanks are hidden from view, which can be more aesthetically pleasing and save space in your yard. Only a small green lid is visible above ground.
• Temperature: Although it does not come into play often in our climate, propane does stay warmer underground allowing more flow into your house during peak demand times. Again, this is much more important in high northern latitudes and is not seen as an issue for above ground tanks in midwestern states.

Cons:

• Expensive: To install these tanks, it requires excavation, sand, and a more expensive tank. Overall, these installs can cost several thousand more and are not eligible for a complimentary lease. They must be purchased, considering once installed, they are typically deemed permanent and not usable after removal.
• Maintenance: Underground tanks are equipped with a special coating and anode bag to prevent corrosion. It's important to regularly inspect these components and replace the anode bag as needed to maintain the tank's integrity. Additionally, you'll need to regularly check to ensure groundwater is not at or above your regulator to ensure there are no flow issues and to preserve the life of your regulator.

In the end, both above ground and underground tanks are suitable options for residential propane storage. The choice is up to you, the homeowner. 1st Choice is happy to help install either option at your home. Give us a call today to discuss your options and schedule an installation!